Tennis pundits have applauded world No. 1 Novak Djokovic for the Serbian star’s “classy move” during an on-court interview.
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has thrown his support behind Greek tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas following the infamous toilet saga which sparked heated debate at the US Open last week.
Tsitsipas copped a tsunami of backlash after a lengthy toilet break during his first round match against England veteran Andy Murray at Flushing Meadows.
Murray blasted his opponent for “nonsense” delaying tactics during the five-set defeat, saying the moves influenced the outcome of the match.
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“I think he’s great for the game,” Murray told reporters. “But I have zero time for that stuff at all and I lost respect for him.”
“It’s not so much leaving the court. It’s the amount of time. I spoke to my team before the match about it and said to expect that, prepare for it if things were not going his way.
“You cannot stop the way that affects you physically. When you’re playing a brutal match like that, stopping for seven, eight minutes, you do cool down.”
Following his semi-final triumph over Germany’s Alexander Zverev on Saturday AEST, Djokovic claimed Tsitsipas did not deserve the media scrutiny coming his way.
“I got to stand for Stefanos Tsitsipas,” Djokovic said on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
“I don’t think he is doing anything wrong. So, I support him … because the rule is not clear. He didn’t deserve that much attacks that he was getting in media from everyone.”
Tennis pundits applauded Djokovic for his “classy move” during the on-court interview.
Djokovic’s dream of securing a historic calendar Grand Slam remains alive after his thrilling US Open semi-final victory.
The world No. 1 defeated his German rival 4-6 6-2 6-4 4-6 6-2 to qualify for Monday’s decider, where he’ll face Russia’s Daniil Medvedev for the chance to go clear on top of the list of all-time men’s major winners.
Djokovic has 20 grand slam titles, alongside Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal — both of whom are missing from the tournament with injury.
The Serbian has already won the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon in 2021 and is trying to complete the first men’s singles calendar-year Grand Slam since Australia’s Rod Laver in 1969. He’s also hunting his fourth career US Open title.
By beating Zverev, the 34-year-old Djokovic became the oldest US Open finalist since Andre Agassi in 2005 and could be the oldest champion at Flushing Meadows since Ken Rosewall in 1970.
“There is only one match left. All in. Let’s do it,” Djokovic said, when asked about his pursuit of the calendar Grand Slam.
“I will put my heart, my soul, my body, my head into winning it.”
“I’m going to treat the next match like it is the last match of my career.”
Djokovic will play Medvedev in the final on Monday morning (AEST) after the Russian defeated young gun Felix Auger-Aliassime in straight sets in the other semi-final.
– with James Matthey & AFP
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